British Columbia offers some of the best paddling experiences in the world, with a variety of options from sea kayaking and canoeing to whitewater rafting and river surfing. Explore the province’s diverse waterways, including over 20,000 lakes, 27 million kilometers of coastline, and countless rivers and creeks, to find the perfect spot for your paddling adventure.
Every corner of the province has something unique to offer all paddlers, from novices to experts.
From rafting to canoeing, we have everything needed to “wet” your appetite.
The Cowichan Valley spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great brewpubs.
Located on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet means “people of the safe harbour” in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ language. The small community of about 2,000 residents is nestled on an eight-kilometre-long peninsula that forms a natural barrier between the calm inner harbour and the open ocean. It’s the perfect launch point for beginner-friendly paddles and a fun town in which to enjoy aprés. If you only have three days, this paddling itinerary I enjoyed in Ucluelet is what I’d recommend.
Whether you’re drawn to swift water, calm exploration, or rugged backcountry nights, Kitimat offers a bit of everything. It’s untouched, wild, and waiting. Here’s a full itinerary of our trip to this undiscovered paddling paradise.
Only 30 minutes from the largest city on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver’s North Shore is a magical area that boasts serene, secluded paddling.
Embark on a scenic 3-day paddling trip through the heart of the Kootenays, exploring the stunning waterways around Castlegar, British Columbia. This adventure blends gentle river currents, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain views for a relaxing, yet immersive, outdoor experience.
Experience the best of Nelson and Kootenay Lake on a three-day adventure filled with paddling, mountain views, and local flavour. From coffee at Oso Negro and shoreline paddles in Nelson, to soaring with Kokanee Mountain Zipline, ferry rides across the world’s longest free crossing, and hikes to the Pilot Bay Lighthouse, each day blends outdoor adventure with unforgettable dining—ending with a sunset meal at the historic Kaslo Hotel.
Vancouver’s North Shore blends coastal adventure with urban charm, offering a journey where paddlers, food lovers, and culture seekers all find connection.
Comox Valley offers an accessible yet unforgettable paddling experience — the perfect blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to paddling, the region’s protected waters and stunning scenery make it a must-paddle destination on Vancouver Island.
This three-day paddling itinerary in Terrace, BC explores the Skeena, Lakelse, and Kitsumkalum river, blending gentle canoe trips, family lake outings, and thrilling whitewater with great local food and community charm.
Join us on a paddling journey through the Southern Gulf Islands that combines relaxed exploration with island charm.
Whatever type of paddling you prefer, here are the events you’ll want to take part in around the province.
The annual Canoe Festival in Hope, B.C. is a celebration of everything canoeing. Many of the province’s top canoe instructors…
The Kicking Horse Paddle Festival is an annual event that recognizes and appreciates the beauty of the Kicking Horse River…
A three-day event that’s the longest-running kayak festival in the province’s interior. It includes the "Adreian Kiernan Boatercross Race," which…
Want to experience the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island by kayak without facing the full brunt of the Pacific Ocean swell? Located within Barkley Sound and Pacific Rim National Park, the…
Camping is a great way to get outside and connect with nature. This connection can be strengthend when you leave the vehicle behind and carry what you need into a remote campsite…
“I think what you’re doing is really cool, but I’m terrified of water. I would never do that,” a woman named Cathy told Jordan Kerton at a presentation earlier this summer. Jordan…
Are you planning a trip through the Okanagan this summer?
Located less than 15 minutes away from Vernon, BC, Kalamalka Lake (known by the locals as Kal Lake) provides space for paddlesports without having to venture too far away from major amenities. Whether you`re just passing through or looking to let lake life sink in, Kalamalka Lake is an ideal destination for all paddlers.
Learn more about Kalamalka Lake and the Vernon area via our website (link🔗 in bio)
Video by @daveheathphoto
@tourism_vernon
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #explorebc #VernonBC #SUP
The northern end of Vancouver Island is raw, wild, and full of untamed beauty for your next paddling adventure.
Pictured are paddlers enjoying the serenity of an inlet near the village of Port Alice, also known as Canada`s "Sea Otter Capital."
Learn more about Vancouver Island North on our website via the link🔗 in our bio.
@explore.britishcolumbia @vancouverislandnorth
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #explorebc #portalice #kayaking
Serene, natural. and full of adventure, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake areas are a dream destination for your next paddle.
Pictured is Cottonwood Lake, located just outside the City of Nelson.
Learn more about the West Kootenay waterways around Nelson via our website (link 🔗 in bio).
@nelsonkootenaylake @discovernelson
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #explorebc #Nelson #SUP
Whitewater rafting season has begun in many areas of British Columbia.
For a list of some of the best guided experiences in the province, visit the link in our bio.
@reorafting @endlessadventurebc @glacierraftcompany @tunnel49adventures
Thanks to @yankaczynski for sharing this recent photo he took of the incomparable Skeena River in Northern BC.
Last summer we had the opportunity to paddle the Skeena from Usk to Terrace through the Kitselas Canyon and it was one of the most enjoyable day trips we’ve ever taken in BC. We highly recommend!
#paddlebc #skeenariver #canoeing #britishcolumbia #exploreBC @visitterrace
An excellent reminder from @hellonature.ca to give a gift to your future self and plan your next escape into nature.
Hello Nature is based in the community of Ucluelt on Vancouver Island. For more about paddling around Ucluelet, visit the link in our bio.
#paddlebc #uclueletbc #HelloNatureAdventureTours #vancouverisland #explorebc
Who else is looking forward to swimming season?
📸 @daveheathphoto
📍Cottonwood Lake
🌍 @nelsonkootenaylake
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Share your paddling photos with us using #paddlebc
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🌷 Spring is stirring across British Columbia, and that means one of the province’s most iconic residents is waking up. Grizzly bears are emerging from their winter dens and beginning their search for food.
Paddlers exploring BC’s lakes, rivers, and coastal inlets should keep their eyes peeled as grizzlies frequent shorelines and estuaries where fresh vegetation and fish appear.
Here are 4 facts about BC’s grizzlies you might not know:
🐻 Grizzly bears can smell food from more than 30 kilometres away. Their sense of smell is estimated to be seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s.
🐻 A large male grizzly can weigh more than 600 pounds by fall.
🐻 Despite their size, grizzlies can run up to 55 km/h.
🐻 British Columbia is home to roughly 15,000 grizzly bears, about a quarter of the remaining population in North America.
🔗 For more about the wildlife you might see from the water, as well as how to respectively and safely view them, see the link in our bio.
#paddlebc #explorebc #grizzlybear #wildlifebc #britishcolumbia
